Richard's ST2 pages - getting started

Information on this page last updated 2/16/02.

I have learned from trial-and-error (probably do not want to use a Ducati for this) on a number of small bikes when I was a teenager. I'm also an incurable gearhead and read all sorts of auto/motorcycle books and magazines. I built my way up over the years to the point of having rebuilt a couple of car motors and a most recently an outboard boat motor. The machine shop stuff I farm out but do almost everything else myself. The exception being the occasional job that requires some really expensive equipment that I care not to buy myself. I look at it this way - anything mechanics can do they had to learn somewhere and given enough effort you can learn the same yourself.

Some places to start - buy a factory workshop manual, this will give a lot more detail than the owner's manual on various procedures. It also has torque values, wiring diagrams, etc. Most of the items required for regular maintenance are covered in the workshop manual. If you want to tackle valve checking/adjustment you can get an instructional video from Pro Italia which actually shows someone going through the procedure. Do not underestimate the amount of information avaialble on the internet. There are many sites like this site that cover various gearhead topics. Spend some time searching around and you can learn a lot from others. And some mechanics will allow you to watch as they do work on your bike, this is always a good way to learn if you find a willing mechanic.

Ducatis do not require too many special tools for servicing. The only Ducati-specific tools I have are an engine turning tool and a set of valve shim measuring guides which are required for valve checking and adjustment. There are other general-purpose tools required like a good socket set, torque wrench, micrometer, and an electrical mutimeter. If you get more involved you can look into vacuum gauges for carb balancing, a CO meter to monitor exhaust gasses, a compression tester, etc.

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